As temperatures drop below freezing in parts of the UK, the RSPCA has issued a stark warning to dog owners who walk their pets through the winter months. Many Brits woke up to several inches of snow this morning, as the icy cold weather closes schools and causes travel disruption up and down the country. Motorists in some areas are being urged not to drive at all unless absolutely necessary - but they're not the only ones feeling the impact of the winter weather.
The RSPCA is urging dog owners to check their pet's paws before bringing them back inside after a walk because they could have stepped in grit salt. Grit, otherwise known as rock salt, is used to help deice roads in winter - but it is extremely dangerous to dogs if ingested. An RSPCA statement reads: "It is difficult to say how much needs to be eaten for signs of toxicity to be seen. Even a small amount of pure salt can be very dangerous to pets. Ingestion can result in a high blood sodium concentration which can cause thirst, vomiting and lethargy, and in severe cases there is a risk of convulsions and kidney damage."
